Innate Immunity

Three different families of pattern recognition receptors, toll-like (TLRs), Nod-like (NLRs), and RIG-I-like, initiate innate immunity, the inborn host response to common pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi. These receptors recognize and bind pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) such as viral DNA and RNA, or bacterial and fungal cell wall components. PAMP-receptor binding activates the innate immune response, initiates downstream signaling, and induces expression of inflammatory cytokines as well as the type-I interferon response. The innate immune system attracts immune cells to the site of infection, and activates the adaptive immune response. This initial immune response is essential to combat a novel foreign pathogen. Dysregulation of innate immune processes can lead to widespread infection, sepsis, and immunodeficiencies. ...

Read more

Three different families of pattern recognition receptors, toll-like (TLRs), Nod-like (NLRs), and RIG-I-like, initiate innate immunity, the inborn host response to common pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi. These receptors recognize and bind pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) such as viral DNA and RNA, or bacterial and fungal cell wall components. PAMP-receptor binding activates the innate immune response, initiates downstream signaling, and induces expression of inflammatory cytokines as well as the type-I interferon response. The innate immune system attracts immune cells to the site of infection, and activates the adaptive immune response. This initial immune response is essential to combat a novel foreign pathogen. Dysregulation of innate immune processes can lead to widespread infection, sepsis, and immunodeficiencies.